When we think of Cher, we instantly think of her groundbreaking music career, her iconic status as the Goddess of Pop, and her vibrant public persona.
However, behind this larger-than-life figure is a complicated family story, one that includes her father, John Paul Sarkisian.
Despite his relatively low public profile, John played a significant role in shaping Cher’s early life, and his story is an important part of understanding her rise to stardom.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Paul Sarkisian |
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1926 |
| John Paul Sarkisian Date of Death | January 28, 1985 |
| John Paul Sarkisian Cause of Death | Health complications (Exact cause not publicly specified) |
| John Paul Sarkisian Nationality | American |
| John Paul Sarkisian Ethnicity | Armenian, with some confusion over Native American descent due to family lore |
| Parents | Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian (Father), Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian (Mother) |
| John Paul Sarkisian Siblings | Louise B. Sarkisian, Elizabeth Sarkisian (Sisters) |
| Spouse | Georgia Holt (Married on June 22, 1945; divorced in 1947) |
| John Paul Sarkisian Children | Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian), Georganne LaPiere (Half-sister from later marriage) |
| Famous Daughter | Cher, singer, actress, and entertainment icon. |
| Profession | Truck Driver, Laborer, and involved in Gambling |
| Notable Family Link | Father of Cher, the Goddess of Pop, and Georganne LaPiere |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, Alameda, California |
| Place of Death | Fresno, California |
| Obituary | John Sarkisian obituary available on major sites like Find A Grave |
| Find A Grave | John Paul Sarkisian has a memorial listed on Find A Grave |
| Cher Career | Cher is an iconic figure, with notable achievements like Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, and Golden Globes |
| Georgia Holt | Cher’s Mother, born Jackie Jean Crouch, an actress and model, married John in 1945. |
| Cher Net Worth (2024) | $360 million |
| Cher Highest Grossing Tour | “Farewell Tour” (2002-2005) with $250 million in earnings |
| Cher Most Successful Album | “Believe” (1998), which sold 20 million copies worldwide |
| Notable TV & Movie Appearances | Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” |
John Paul Sarkisian Early Life and Heritage
Armenian Roots: A Rich Legacy
It was born on March 23, 1926, in Oakland, California, to Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian.
His heritage was deeply influenced by the Armenian Genocide, which shaped the lives of many Armenian-American families.
This tragic event, which took place in the early 20th century, left a lasting mark on the Sarkisian family’s cultural identity.
John’s parents, both of whom were survivors of the genocide, passed on a strong sense of Armenian pride and resilience.
Growing Up: Early Years of John Paul Sarkisian
John’s early life in Oakland was marked by the typical immigrant experience. His family was not wealthy, and they struggled to make ends meet, often doing labor-intensive jobs.
Despite these challenges, John grew up with a strong work ethic, and his parents instilled in him the value of perseverance.
Though little is known about his education, it’s clear that John Paul Sarkisian was shaped by the lessons of survival and adaptation.
John Paul Sarkisian Family and Relationships
John’s Family Background
John’s family dynamics were complicated. He had two sisters, Louise B. Sarkisian and Elizabeth Sarkisian, who, like their brother, were deeply impacted by their parents’ experiences as immigrants.
The family’s tight-knit nature helped John cope with the challenges of growing up in an unfamiliar culture.
Despite the struggles, John maintained a sense of humor and charm, which helped him navigate both his personal and professional life.
This charismatic personality would later be passed down to his daughter, Cher, who inherited his resilience and drive.
Romantic Life: Meeting Cher’s Mother, Georgia Holt
John’s most significant relationship was with Georgia Holt (born Jackie Jean Crouch), whom he met in the early 1940s.
The two married on June 22, 1945, and a year later, they welcomed their daughter, Cherilyn Sarkisian, into the world on May 20, 1946 in El Centro, California.
The couple’s early years together were filled with hope, but their relationship was far from perfect.It struggled with personal issues, including addiction and gambling, which contributed to their eventual divorce in 1947.
John Paul Sarkisian Career and Personal Struggles
John Career Pursuits
It worked various jobs throughout his life, including truck driving and other labor-intensive occupations.
He did what was necessary to provide for his family, but he never achieved significant wealth or fame.
However, his gritty determination and adaptability influenced his daughter, Cher, who would go on to become one of the most famous figures in entertainment history.
The Gambling Struggles: A Dark Side
One of the most challenging aspects of John’s life was his battle with gambling addiction. This addiction took a toll on his family, particularly his relationship with Georgia Holt.
It led to financial instability, and eventually, it played a role in their separation. Cher, as a child, was affected by her father’s gambling issues, and these struggles would shape her own perspectives on family dynamics.
While John’s gambling issues were a significant source of tension in his life, it is also a testament to his resiliencehis ability to persist despite setbacks.
The Complexity of Fatherhood
Despite his shortcomings,it made several attempts to reconcile with Cher as she grew older.
Their relationship was never easy, and John’s sporadic presence in Cher’s life contributed to feelings of abandonment.
Cher herself has described her father as both a charming and frustrating figure, someone who was difficult to understand.
However, as Cher grew older and more successful, she began to develop a deeper understanding of her father’s struggles. In interviews, she has spoken about her attempts at reconciliation, which were often bittersweet and incomplete.
John Paul Sarkisian Father-Daughter Dynamic
Cher’s Childhood and John’s Influence
As a child, Cher experienced the highs and lows of being raised by a man who was both charismatic and unpredictable.
John’s influence on Cher’s early years was significant, though it was often overshadowed by his struggles with addiction. Georgia Holt worked tirelessly to raise Cher on her own, often serving as both mother and father.
Cher has admitted that John’s presence, while erratic, left an imprint on her personality.
She often referred to him as a larger-than-life figure, someone who, despite his flaws, had a profound influence on her sense of identity and ambition.
Reconciliation Attempts and Their Outcomes
In the years leading up to John’s death in 1985, he made several attempts to repair his relationship with Cher.
These efforts, however, were met with mixed results. Cher, by this point, had become a global superstar, and their emotional distance remained a barrier to genuine reconciliation.
Despite this, Cher did express a degree of forgiveness towards her father, acknowledging that while his struggles impacted their relationship, they also shaped the person she became.
Cher’s journey through forgiveness and reconciliation was not without its challenges, but it was a crucial part of her emotional growth.
John Paul Sarkisian Later Life and Legacy
Marriage to Jackie Jean Crouch and Family Life
After his divorce from Georgia Holt, John Paul Sarkisian remarried Jackie Jean Crouch, with whom he had a daughter, Georganne LaPiere (Cher’s half-sister).
This second family was a complex part of John’s life, and it further complicated his relationship with Cher.
Though John spent his later years attempting to rebuild his life and family, he continued to struggle with addiction, which affected his ability to maintain stable relationships.
Cher’s half-sister, Georganne, went on to have a career in the entertainment industry, but she did not achieve the same level of fame as Cher.
John Final Years: Reflecting on His Life and Mistakes
By the time it reached his final years, he had made peace with some of his past mistakes. However, his health began to deteriorate, and he passed away on January 28, 1985, in Fresno, California.
The cause of death was related to complications from health issues, but the emotional toll of his past likely played a role as well.
In the years following his death, Cher reflected on her relationship with him, acknowledging both the pain and the love they shared.
John’s legacy lived on through his daughter, and despite the challenges they faced, he remains an important part of Cher’s story.
John Paul Sarkisian Cultural Impact and Influence on Cher Career
Indirect Influence on Cher Rise to Stardom
While it did not achieve fame in his own right, his impact on Cher’s career cannot be understated.
Cher’s early struggles with her father’s addiction and their strained relationship played a crucial role in shaping her artistic voice.
Her resilience in overcoming personal obstacles became a central theme in her music and public persona.
Cher’s famous “Believe” album, released in 1998, marked a pivotal moment in her career. The album, which sold over 20 million copies worldwide, reflected both her personal triumphs and her struggles.
Cher Reflection on Her Father Legacy
Cher has spoken openly about the complexities of her relationship with her father. Over the years, she has reflected on the forgiveness she eventually granted him, acknowledging that his flaws did not erase the positive qualities he passed down to her.
In interviews, Cher has stated that while her father’s gambling addiction and sporadic presence were difficult to cope with, she also learned valuable life lessons from his resilience.
Conclusion
John Paul Sarkisian was a man of contradictions a loving but often absent father, a charismatic but troubled figure.
His influence on Cher was profound, even though their relationship was marked by pain and reconciliation.
Cher’s ability to rise above her father’s flaws and become one of the most iconic figures in entertainment speaks to the lasting impact of resilience, forgiveness, and cultural identity.
FAQ’s
Who was John Paul Sarkisian?
it was Cher’s father, an Armenian-American man who struggled with addiction and gambling but also had a lasting impact on his daughter’s life and career.
What was John Paul Sarkisian nationality?
He was of Armenian descent, born to parents who survived the Armenian Genocide.
How did John Paul Sarkisian die?
He passed away on January 28, 1985, due to complications from health issues.
What is John Paul Sarkisian connection to Cher?
He is Cher’s biological father, though their relationship was complicated due to his struggles with addiction and his sporadic presence in her life.
What is Cher net worth?
As of 2024, Cher’s net worth is estimated at $360 million.
Is John Paul Sarkisian Armenian?
Yes, it was of Armenian descent, with his parents being survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
What is John Paul Sarkisian Wikipedia?
It does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, but he is known as Cher’s father and was a key figure in her early life.
What is John Paul Sarkisian nationality?
It was an American by nationality, born in Oakland, California to Armenian immigrant parents.
What is John Paul Sarkisian cause of death?
The exact cause of death of John Paul Sarkisian remains unclear, but he passed away due to health complications on January 28, 1985.
Who is John Paul Sarkisian parents?
His parents were Ghiragos “George” Sarkisian and Siranousch “Blanche” Dilkian, both survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
Who is John Sarkisian Cher’s father?
John Sarkisian is the biological father of Cher, the famous singer and actress.
Who was Cher father?
Cher’s father was it a man of Armenian descent who had a complicated relationship with his daughter.
Is Cher father still alive?
No, Cher’s father, John Paul Sarkisian, passed away on January 28, 1985.
Mark Johnson is a dedicated writer with 5 years of experience in the celebrity realm, delivering captivating stories and industry insights. Beyond celebrity writing, he has a rich background in general content creation, covering topics from lifestyle to culture. With a knack for storytelling, Mark connects with readers through engaging narratives and fresh perspectives.